HANOVER COUNTY, Va. -- A child bitten by a copperhead snake Thursday evening in western Hanover County was transported to an area hospital by ambulance.
Multiple EMS sources told WTVR CBS 6 reporter Jon Burkett the child was bitten around 9:30 p.m. off of Old Ridge Road in the Montpelier-Beaverdam area of the county.
There has been no word yet on the child’s condition.
Earlier this summer, neighbors in Central Virginia reported an uptick in copperhead snake sightings. In fact, viewers have contacted our newsroom saying the poisonous snakes are slithering near their homes.
Richard Perry, who has been in the animal and reptile removal business in Virginia for ten years, called 2015 his busiest ever year for copperhead removals.
“This is the worst year I’ve seen. We are averaging 12 to 15 calls per week for snakes,” Perry said. “Last week I had a half dozen, if not more.”
Copperhead snake caught in Chesterfield in May
Copperheads are one of three venomous snakes found in Virginia, but are the only species found in every county, according to the Virginia Herpetological Society. Wildlife experts said their bites are typically not fatal to humans but can be very painful. If you are bitten, you should get medical attention immediately.
Biologists said copperheads are usually sluggish creatures, and look for cool places to rest during the summer. That creates a problem when they chose to hide in sheds, crawl spaces and attics, according to pest removal experts.
If you unsure whether or not a snake is venomous, experts said the best practice is to leave it alone and call a pest removal company.
Stay with WTVR.com and watch CBS 6 News for updates on this developing story.
